What is PitNode?

PitNode is an open DIY BBQ thermometer project consisting of open-source software and optional hardware building blocks.

What can PitNode do?

With PitNode I built an open DIY BBQ thermometer system from scratch which supports temperature monitoring, touch screen display and web UI.
You can use many kind of NTC probes (RTD is also possible but not yet supported) for meat temperature monitoring and it supports a connection of a thermocouple type K for grill temperature monitoring.

The software is written in MicroPython and runs on a Rasperry Pi Pico 2W microcontroller up to now. The architecture should be modular enough to easily support other MCUs.
I started the project as a hobby and over time it become more complex. Now I decided to provide the software as open source. Checkout the PitNode GitHub repository for more information.

As hardware you need basically an RPi Pico 2W, a touch display and some peripherals if you want to use all features. Have a look at the PitNode Pico Touch Extension Board (PitNode PTEB) which is the extension board I used as the hardware platform for this DIY BBQ thermometer setup.

What the project provides?

• Open Source Software available on GitHub
• Schematics and Gerber files for the extension board
• STL files for 3D case printing
• The hardware of the PitNode Pico Touch Extension board is easy to build because I chose larger SMD packages to make soldering feasible also for beginners. But of course you need some solder skills.
• Documentation how to build it step by step

Supported Features

• 2.8″ colored touch screen
• 3 temperature probes for meat core temperature measurements
  *You can use almost any NTC probe. How to find out if your sensor is supported or which sensor you need to buy is explained here.
• 1 channel for accurate high temperature monitoring of the BBQ with K-Type probe
• Temperature monitoring and target temperature via display or web ui
• PitNode can be controlled via web UI when it is connected to your local WiFi
  • For security reasons the WiFi password of your local network is typed in via the touch screen. No need to transfer the password over not secured http connection. The password is not stored in clear text on RPi Pico. As a minimum security level the password is obfuscated.
• Integrated buzzer for temperature alarms
• Calibration wizard to calibrate your NTC probes by determining automatically Steinhart-Hart coefficients
• Powered via 5V USB-C connector

You want to start right away? Follow the getting started page.

PitNode is designed for hobbyists and makers who enjoy building and understanding their own BBQ monitoring solutions.